The Importance of Getting an Annual Flu Vaccine

Flu is caused by viruses that invade the respiratory tract. While the symptoms may vary from person to person, the common denominator is that they usually leave the person is question feeling terrible. Symptoms may include fever, coughing, muscle aches and headaches. Some people have a sore throat and most feel drained of energy and very tired. Getting a flu vaccination every year is an important part of maintaining good health and ensuring you are not run down by an unexpected bout of flu. Using low cost medical care in Las Vegas means you can get cost-effective vaccines for the whole family every year.

Flu season peaks from January to March every year, and it is important for everyone to get a flu shot every year as the strain of virus changes. That means last year’s vaccine probably won’t protect you from this year’s strain. Everyone over the age of six months should get a vaccine, with the exception of those who have severe egg allergies and people with neurological problems. It takes about a week or two for flu antibodies to mature and offer protection from infection once the injection has been administered, so it is better to get yours done earlier rather than later.

People who are at greater risk of developing flu and its complications, and those who should get vaccinated first, should there ever be a shortage, are children between six months and four years of age, people older than 50 years of age, people who have chronic respiratory problems (including asthma), people with cardiovascular disease, hepatic and renal disorders, or metabolic, hematologic and neurological problems. Pregnant women, people who are morbidly obese and people have a compromised immune system, such as those with HIV, should also get an annual vaccination against flu.

While it is unusual it is possible for flu to result in complications if it is not treated, especially in people identified above. Sometimes influenza can progress to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or pneumonia, putting the patient at greater risk.

Having a flu vaccine is a preventative approach to managing your health and saves you the inconvenience of ‘down time’ and recovery, as well as the added expenses of medication and doctors’ consultations should complications arise.

Vaccines against influenza are readily available at a number of pharmacies and clinics in Las Vegas, and offer you to take seasonal control over your health and wellbeing, and that of your family.